Print-It-Yourself Belizean Birth Certificates Draw Backlash

Belizeans are raising eyebrows over a big change to one of the country’s most important documents. The familiar, decorative birth certificate is out, replaced by a plain paper version that citizens can now print themselves. The switch is sparking confusion and frustration, with many calling for a return to the detailed design they’ve come to trust. We put those concerns to Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre, who says the move is all about improving access.

 

Anthony Sylvestre, Attorney General

“Yes, we have looked at it both side of the argument. The difficulty is this. See, what has used to happen in the past is that the sturdy paper, the pretty looking paper, it  had a serial number. So, those were actually, came prepared. And so, when a birth certificate was generated, then it was printed on that. Now, what we have sought to do is that we have, we have sought to allow for wider access. Wider access means that you won’t necessarily have to come into the office or have to have your birth paper be printed on a pretty paper. You, having accessed the service, and having received your e-copy, you could print it on any paper. And so we look at the potential.”

 

Reporter

“So you can buy your own pretty paper?”

 

Anthony Sylvestre

“Your own pretty paper. And so we look at the potential confusion that could occur. So you have, you have agencies which we have  working relationships, social security or the immigrants and boundaries. We believe that if we were to have two different types of papers, it could create some issues. You understand? It could create some problems. And so unfortunately at this time, the position is that we will allow persons to be able to determine what paper they want to print it on. There’s nothing stopping you from putting it on a pretty paper, you know?”

 

Belize rolled out a new paper format for birth certificates in December 2025, marking the launch of its upgraded digital Civil Registry and Vital Statistics system.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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